Human Services Assistant III

Virginia Department of Social Services•Woodstock, VA

5d•$40,249 - $43,249•Onsite

About The Position

If you are looking for an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children, families, seniors and people with disabilities and want to work in a positive, strength-based, and flexible environment, consider a career in human services with Shenandoah County Social Services. We strive every day to engage with families and assist them in obtaining the tools they need to make positive and sustainable changes. We are dedicated to advocating for the people we serve and collaborating with them to strengthen their natural support system. We are committed to ensuring that our team of professionals have the tools and resources they need to provide exemplary service to the citizens of our community. Employee wellness is essential to our mission. If you are interested in starting the next chapter of your professional development in the most rewarding field, we invite you to apply with our team. Shenandoah County Social Services is located in beautiful Woodstock, Virginia approximately 30 miles south of Winchester and 30 miles north of Harrisonburg. Known for its majestic mountain views, the winding seven bends of the Shenandoah River and its small town charm, Shenandoah County is the perfect place to live and work. Title Description- Human Services Assistant III represents the specialist level in the occupational group for Human Services Assistants. Employees serve as the initial point of contact for clients seeking benefits and/ or services and screens clients for benefits and services. Human Services Assistant III is distinguished from Human Services Assistant II by serving as a screener and the initial point of contact for the clients seeking benefits and/or services.

Requirements

Considerable knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services (including customer needs assessment, meeting of quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction)
Considerable knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar
Considerable knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, spreadsheets, managing files and records, and other office procedures and terminology
Working knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; mathematics and research methods; and eligibility requirements for the programs assigned; and available community resources
Some knowledge of laws, regulations, requirements and policies of Local, State, and Federal social, assistance and housing programs
Skill in operating a variety of automated office equipment to include calculator, fax/copier
Skill in the use of computer-driven word processing, spreadsheet, graphics and file maintenance programs
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with program participants
Demonstrated ability to plan, organize, and prioritize own work schedule
Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain working relationships with clients, professionals, co-workers, and the public sufficient to exchange ideas and coordinate activities
Demonstrated ability to accept direction and follow established procedures
Demonstrated ability to counsel others
Demonstrated ability to organize, and post date, from records, reports and other sources using the appropriate format
Demonstrated ability to exhibit solid interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution in working with clients, professionals and employees
Demonstrated ability to create forms, charts, and graphs
Demonstrated ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
Demonstrated ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs
Demonstrated ability to make screening decisions based upon specific criteria’s
Demonstrated ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, manuals
Demonstrated ability to conduct effective interviews both face-to-face and by telephone
High school diploma supplemented with post-secondary coursework in subjects such as social work, human services, gerontology, or one of the social or behavioral sciences, business or related field, and relevant work experience in public administrative support work OR any equivalent combination of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in English/Spanish

Responsibilities

Screens clients for benefits and services
Interviews clients and explains programs, services, policies and procedures
Assists clients with applications
Evaluates and approves agency providers
Researches information
Serves as initial point of contact for applicants
Interviews applicants for benefits and/or service programs
Provides information regarding various programs and benefits, general eligibility requirements, policies and procedures
Assists clients with completing applications and performs initial screening of applications
Provides information to clients seeking services and directly makes referrals for services
Researches a variety of databases to obtain and/or verify information needed to process applications
Maintains logs of client documentation received
Schedules and coordinates appointments for clients to meet with benefit, employment or services staff
Contacts clients for requested/needed information and responds to routine questions in person, e-mail or by telephone
Analyzes needs and coordinates resources that will support families/clients and generates payment for services when appropriate